Akureyri in northern Iceland is as pretty as a picture, with scenery that includes wilderness areas, lava fields, ice caves, steaming hot springs and volcanic peaks. It is well known for its whale watching, so hop on a boat and meet these giants of the ocean.

The town also boasts the best sightings of the colourful ‘northern lights’. Tourists make use of the surprisingly moderate weather conditions to explore nearby Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Húsavík and Lake Mývatn. Hlíðarfjall Mountain is a wonderful skiing destination that is covered in snow for around 180 days a year. There are many museums in the town, but arguably the cultural highlight of the region is the collection of traditional turf homes built into the mountainside, which allow a sneak peek into Icelandic history.